Those were a few of the feelings yesterday as Woodlands School held its "closing out ceremony''.

The school, which has served students with learning difficulties and other special needs since 1963, is closing along with other similar schools. The Ministry of Education wants to mix special-needs students into the general student body.

"The time has come to close our doors and return our children to the mainstream, with support,'' said former Woodlands principal Mrs. Natley Landy.

"We have served our purpose.

"There may be some misgivings and apprehensions on the part of parents, children, and teachers alike,'' Mrs. Landy continued. "That is only natural.

But we must trust those who are making the decisions and together we can make it work.'' The students -- many of whom were graduating to secondary school in any case, others who will attend regular primary schools in September -- took part in the ceremony with short speeches and school songs.

The two-hour ceremony in a small assembly room included the sharing of staff memories and presentation of awards to principal Mrs. Eunice Jones, teachers, parents, students, and friends of the school. The Whitney Institute School Band provided music.

Bermuda's first special school was opened in 1960, as an extension to Elliott School. Woodlands was the second to open, Mrs. Landy said. Another ceremony is planned this week to close Mrs. Landy's present school -- Cedar Grove School in Southampton.

Specially-trained staff is being beefed up to serve special students in the regular schools.

Though most special schools are being eliminated, Woodlands on Mount Hill in Pembroke is slated to be transformed into a new type of special school.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira has said it will serve problem students who are too disruptive for regular classes.

Dr. Terceira was in attendance, as was Governor Lord Waddington, Dame Marjorie Bean, and longtime Woodlands supporters the Hon. Pamela Gordon and Hon. Jerome Dill, among other officials.